DURHAM, N.H.-- Head Coach Dick Umile of the University of New Hampshire men's ice hockey program has announced the signing of five student-athletes for the 2002-2003 season. Michael Hutchins (Wolfeboro, N.H.), Mark Kolanos (Calgary, Alberta), Andrew Leach (Altamont, N.Y.), Jeff Pietrasiak (Shrewsbury, Mass.) and Brian Yandle (Milton, Mass.) have all been accepted to the University of New Hampshire for the fall semester of 2002.

"This year's incoming freshman class of student-athletes will be an exciting addition to our program and our staff looks forward to the opportunity to work with them," said Coach Umile.

Hutchins, a 5-11, 185-pound defenseman, played for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Junior Hockey League in 2001-2002. He registered seven goals and 30 assists for 37 points in 60 games for Des Moines. Hutchins played two seasons at St. Paul's School in Concord (N.H.) and recorded 18-30-48 in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. His older brother Tony played for Boston College from 1996-2000.

Kolanos, a 6-1, 185-pound forward who will be the youngest player on UNH's roster for the upcoming season, played for the Calgary Royals of the Alberta Junior Hockey League recording 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points in his rookie season. Mark, the younger brother of former Boston College star and current Phoenix Coyote Krys, finished fourth in scoring at the Air Canada Cup National Midget Tournament in 2001.

Leach, a 6-0, 175-pound forward, also played for Des Moines. He posted six goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 60 games last season with the Buccaneers. His father Chris and uncle Mark both played hockey at St. Lawrence, while uncle Steve played for UNH and his brother Jay played at Providence College.

Pietrasiak, a 6-1, 180-pound goaltender, has attended the Berkshire School for the past two years. In 2001-2002, he owned a 2.04 GAA and a .915 save percentage with five shutouts. In his junior year, he posted a 1.36 GAA, .938 save percentage and eight shutouts. Pietrasiak was selected by the US Hockey Report as the New England Prep goaltender of the Year for 2000-2001 and 2001-2002. He broke the single-season record at Berkshire with eight shutouts in 2000-2001 and was named to the All-League Team in both seasons at Berkshire. In the final NHL Central Scouting ratings, Pietrasiak finished 21st among North American goaltenders.

Yandle, a 6-0, 185-pound defenseman, skated for Cushing Academy in 2001-2002. Brian played two seasons at Cushing Academy registering 21 goals and 43 assists for 64 points in 57 games. Yandle also played two years at Catholic Memorial (1998-2000) posting four goals and 20 assists for 24 points in two seasons. His father Bud played college hockey for Boston College for two years.